Cold and Cough Medicines Are Not Safe For Babies or Young Children

It is not easy when your child has a cold. But parents need to be careful. Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are not safe for babies and young children. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wrote a report to warn parents. This warning is for children under two years of age. The report warns that cold and cough medicines are not safe for babies or young children.

The Food and Drug Administration is not just concerned about infants. They think that these medicines may be dangerous for toddlers too.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is also worried. In 2005 they wrote a report. It said that over 1,500 children under the age of two had been sent to the emergency room. These children got sick from cough or cold medicine. The report also said that three children died. These children died because of cold and cough medicines.

Children should not get adult medicine
It is important to be careful when using cold and cough medicine with older children too. Children are not small adults. Children should not use medicine that is meant for adults. The FDA also warned parents not to give infants and young kids cough or cold medicine that is labeled for children. Even the children's medicine can hurt young kids. Ask your doctor before giving your children any medicine.

All medicines have directions for use. Reading the directions is very important. You need to know the weight and age of your child in order to give the right dose. Some directions use abbreviations. It is good to know these. A tablespoon is tbsp. A teaspoon is tsp. A milligram is mg. A milliliter is mL.The abbreviation for ounce is oz.

Many medicines come with something to measure with. It may be a cup or a dropper. It is very important to use the right measuring device. It is not a good idea to use a kitchen spoon. A kitchen teaspoon may not measure a true teaspoon.

Remember that words in one language can mean something different in another. Ask your doctor if you are not sure. Cough and cold medicines also have different strengths. Be sure to ask your doctor which one is right for you.

When your child is sick you should call your doctor. Ask your doctor what you can do to help your child feel better. Ask what medicines you can give your child safely. Then follow the directions carefully.